Bunratty Castle
We didn't bother with breakfast at the Eviston House. J. R. took the luggage down to the car park and it was locked. We went to the front desk and no one was to be found. Janie found a guy in the pub to check us out and open the car park. J. R. directed Janie out of the alley and there was no traffic, so it was easy to turn out. From there, we drove to Bunratty Castle. Since we were early, we headed up one exit to Shannon to McDonald's for breakfast before our castle tour. Our first stop was at Bunratty Castle, a medieval fortress built in 1425 and restored in the 1950s using 15th and 16th century furnishings.
Folk Park
After touring the castle, we walked through the Bunratty Folk Park with shops, a school and even a pub that resembled the small towns that would be located near an estate such as Bunratty in the 19th century. A costumed flutist played us a rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" after learning we were from Chicago.
Walled Garden
Included in our admission was the Bunratty Walled Garden, modeled after the original Victorian gardens that would had provided food for Bunratty House in 1804.
Magical Fairy Trail
A highlight of the day for Rebecca was the Magical Fairy Trail located on the grounds with a variety of small houses built for the mythical creatures that live at Bunratty.
